Lighting system for indoor cultivation facility

ABSTRACT

A lighting system for an indoor growing facility comprises a plurality of lighting units suspended above a growing are and a height adjustment controller operable to selectively raise each lighting unit, wherein a vertical position of each lighting unit with respect to plants positioned in the growing area under each lighting unit is adjustable to maintain a generally consistent separation between the light emitting face of each lighting unit and a top of plants positioned under each lighting unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/808,510, filed on Feb. 21, 2019, which is hereinincorporated by reference in it entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to lighting systems, and in particularlighting systems for indoor cultivation facilities.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is partof the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a personskilled in the art.

Indoor cultivation facilities provide greater control over theenvironment in which plants are grown. These facilities also allowgrowers to extend the growing season for different plants and avoiddamage that may be caused due to inclement weather.

An important aspect of indoor cultivation is control over the lightdirected onto the plants being grown. Lighting systems allow cultivatorsto provide consistent lighting conditions throughout the growing seasonwithout concerns about cloud cover. However, it is important to controlthe intensity of light projected onto different plants within thefacility, even as those plants grow.

Lighting systems also pose additional challenges for indoor cultivationfacilities. Installing and maintaining the lighting systems can be acomplex and expensive undertaking. Furthermore, the power requirementsof the lighting system can be costly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show moreclearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an indoor cultivation facility inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor cultivation facility of FIG.1 following plant growth in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of light emitted from an examplelighting system that may be used with the indoor cultivation facility ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an example lighting unit that may be used withan indoor cultivation facility in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an example lighting fixture that may beused with the lighting unit of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of the lighting fixture of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 5 alongline 9-9 shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of an example light card that may be usedwith the lighting fixture of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of another example lighting fixture thatmay be used with the lighting unit of FIG. 4 in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of the lighting fixture of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an example lighting system including apower supply unit in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an example lighting system includingmultiple power supply units in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a schematic illustration of an example power supply unit inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a schematic illustration of the power supply unit of FIG.17A coupled to a power source and a lighting unit in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 17C is a schematic illustration of the example power supply unit ofFIG. 17A including seal members in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 17D is a schematic illustration of the power supply unit of FIG.17C coupled to a power source and a lighting unit in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 17E is a schematic illustration of an example power supply unit inaccordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another example lighting system for anindoor cultivation facility in accordance with an embodiment.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the presentspecification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taughtin any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various systems, apparatuses, and methods are described below to providean example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those describedbelow. The claimed inventions are not limited to systems, apparatuses,and methods having all of the features of any one system, apparatus, ormethod described below or to features common to multiple or all of thesystems, apparatuses, and methods described below. It is possible that asystem, apparatus, or method described below is not an embodiment of anyclaimed invention. Any invention disclosed in a system, apparatus, ormethod described below that is not claimed in this document may be thesubject matter of another protective instrument, for example, acontinuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/orowner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the publicany such invention by its disclosure in this document.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “theembodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. Alisting of items does not imply that any or all of the items aremutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,”“an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be“coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts arejoined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., throughone or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As usedherein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directlycoupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directlyfastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with eachother. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and“fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joinedtogether.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the exampleembodiments described herein.

Indoor Cultivation Facility

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, exemplary embodiments of an indoorcultivation facility are shown generally as 100. The following is ageneral discussion of indoor cultivation facility 100 which provides abasis for understanding several of the features which are discussedherein. As discussed subsequently, each of the features may be usedindividually or in any particular combination or sub-combination in thisor in other embodiments disclosed herein.

The facility 100 is an example of an indoor cultivation facility thatmay be used to cultivate plants 104. Various types of plants 104 may becultivated within facility 100, such as cannabis plants. The facility100 may include various environmental control components such astemperature and humidity control components. The facility 100 can alsoinclude various environmental monitoring sensors and systems thatprovide feedback and assist in controlling the environmental conditionswithin facility 100. The facility 100 may also include passiveenvironmental control components that assist in maintaining desiredenvironmental conditions within the facility 100 such as insulatingelements.

The facility 100 can include a growing area 102 within which plants canbe positioned. As shown, the growing area 102 has a first end 107, asecond end 109, and opposed lateral sides 111 and 113. The growing area102 extends between the first end 107 and a second end 109 in alongitudinal direction 103 and between the lateral sides 111 and 113 ina lateral direction 101.

The size of the growing area 102 may vary depending on the plants 104being grown. In some embodiments, the growing area 102 may range betweenabout 3 feet and 10 feet wide between the lateral sides 111 and 113 andbetween about 10 feet and 40 feet long between the first end 107 and asecond end 109. For example, the growing area 102 may be about 4 feet to6 feet wide and about 16 to 24 feet long. The growing area has areceiving surface on which pots or containers in which the plants arelocated are placed, such as a table top, wherein the height of thereceiving surface is adjustable. Alternately, the growing area may be aplant bed.

A plurality of plants 104 can be positioned within the growing area 102.In the example shown, the plants 104 are arranged into rows that extendalong the length of the growing area 102 in the longitudinal direction103. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show two rows of plants 104 within thegrowing area 102, in some embodiments only a single row of plants 104may be positioned within the growing area 102. Each row can extendbetween the first end 107 and the second end 109 in the longitudinaldirection 103.

In some examples, the growing area 102 may be a table 115. The plants104 may then be mounted on the surface 120 of table 115. For example,the table 115 may be about 5 feet wide (in the lateral direction 101)and about 20 feet long (in the longitudinal direction 103). The table115 can define the dimensions of the growing area 102.

In some embodiments, the facility 100 may include a plurality of growingareas 102. For example, a plurality of spaced apart tables 115 can beincluded within the facility 100. The growing areas 102 (e.g. tables)may be separated by open spaces (e.g. substantially empty aisles) thatallow cultivators to access the plants 104 in each growing area 102.This provides access to the plants 104 for trimming and/or harvesting.

As shown, the facility 100 also includes a lighting system 200. Thelighting system 200 can be positioned above the plants 104 in thegrowing area 102. For example, the lighting system 200 may be suspendedfrom the ceiling of the facility or from supports mounted adjacent tothe growing area 102.

The lighting system 200 can include a plurality of light emittingelements facing the plants 104. In the example shown, the lightingsystem 200 includes a plurality of lighting units 210 a-210 c. Eachlighting unit 210 has a light emitting side 211 positioned facing thesurface 120 of the growing area 102. The lighting unit 210 can becontrolled to provide a broad spectrum of light to the plants 104.

In some embodiments, the operation of the lighting units 210 a-210 c maybe controlled to provide a regular cycle of active and inactive periodsthat may be selected based on the plants 104 being cultivated. Forexample, the lighting units 210 may be controlled to provide a cycle of16 hours active periods and 8 hour inactive periods. Various otherexamples of light activation cycles may be used depending on the desiredcultivation environment.

One or more lighting units 210 can be positioned above the same growingarea 102. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, three lighting unitsare positioned above growing area 102.

Lighting System for an Indoor Cultivation Facility

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the variation oflight intensity at a specified distance from the lighting units in orderto provide substantially uniform light intensity for multiple plantswithin a growing area. This may facilitate more uniform growth for allof the plants within the growing area. This may also minimize the powerrequired for the lighting system to provide a desired level of lightintensity. In particular, a large greenhouse may require one or moremegawatts of power, such a 5 or more, 10 or more or 15 or moremegawatts. Such a power requirement is a factor that may control where agreenhouse is located. Reducing the overall power requirement mayfacilitation the location of a greenhouse. Providing a more even lightintensity across the surface 120 may reduce the power requirements for agreenhouse.

In embodiments described herein, the lighting system can include aplurality of lighting units positioned close to the top of the plantswithin the growing area. For example, the lighting units may bepositioned within about 6 inches to 18 or 6 to 12 inches of the top ofthe plants. This may minimize the lateral spread of light emitted fromindividual lighting elements. This may also help reduce the variance inlight intensity across the surface of the plants.

In some embodiments, the lighting units can be arranged so that theoverlap of light between adjacent lighting units is reduced. Thelighting system for a particular growing area can include lighting unitsthat extend for substantially all of the longitudinal length of thegrowing area. Multiple lighting units can be laterally spaced to providesubstantially even light intensity across the lateral width of thegrowing area. In some embodiments, the lighting units and/or the pointsources of light (e.g., LEDs in the lighting units) may be laterallyspaced by between about 6 and 24 inches, 12 and 24 inches or 15 and 20inches to facilitate more uniform light intensity at the tops of theplants.

In some embodiments, the lighting system may also be vertically movable.The lighting system may include a height adjustment controller operableto raise the lighting units in response to plant growth. This can helpmaintain a consistent distance between the lighting units and the topsof the plants throughout the growth cycle. Accordingly, as the plantsgrow, the intensity of the light at the level of the top of the plantsmay remain generally constant.

It may also be desirable to facilitate installation and maintenance ofthe lighting system of an indoor cultivation facility. In embodimentsdescribed herein, the lighting system may include a plurality oflighting units. Each lighting unit may include a plurality of lightingfixtures. The plurality of lighting fixtures can be connected insequence to define a longitudinally extending lighting unit. Thelighting fixtures can be connected to one another in a modular fashionto facilitate installation and replacement. The light fixtures can beconnected to one another in sequence to facilitate routing of the powerthrough the lighting system. In some embodiments, each lighting fixturemay include a plurality of light cards. Each light card may include aplurality of light sources. The light cards may be individuallyreplaceable from the corresponding light fixtures.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to facilitate maintenance of apower supply unit for the lighting system of an indoor cultivationfacility. The power supply unit may contain active control circuitrythat is configured to control the power provided to the lighting unitsin the lighting system. When there is a malfunction in the power supplyunit, access to the power supply unit may be necessary to ensure properoperation of the lighting system. In some embodiments, the power supplyunit (or power supply units) for the lighting system can be positionedat the longitudinal ends of a growing area. This may provide easieraccess to the power supply units for maintenance and/or replacementsince the power supply units can be accessed from outside the growingarea (e.g., an aisle between surfaces 120) and without having to reachacross or over the growing area.

The features in this section may be used by itself in any system orfacility (e.g., an indoor cultivation facility) or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting system 200 can include aplurality of lighting units 210 positioned above the plants 104. Thelighting units 210 can be mounted above the plants, e.g. suspended fromthe ceiling of the facility 100. A light emitting face 211 of eachlighting unit 210 can be positioned facing the tops 105 of the plants.

In some embodiments, the lighting unit 210 may be positioned with thelight emitting face 211 within about 100 mm to about 400 m of the topsof plants 104. In some embodiments, the light emitting face 211 may bepositioned within about 150 mm to about 300 mm (6 inches-12 inches) ofthe tops 105 of plants 104.

Positioning the lighting units 210 in close proximity to the plants 104may reduce the lateral spread of light emitted from each of the lightingunits 210. By reducing the spread of light emitted from each lightingunit 210, the variation in light intensity across the surface of theplants 104 may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the lighting units 210 can be movably mountedwithin the facility 100. The lighting units 210 may be movable in avertical direction 117 towards and away from the surface 120 of thegrowing area 102. The vertical position of the lighting units 210 can beadjusted to maintain a consistent separation between the light emittingface 211 and the tops 105 of the plants 104 as the plants grow. As shownin FIG. 2, the lighting units 210 have been raised in the verticaldirection in response to growth of the plants 104.

The lighting system 200 can include a height controller (not shown) thatis usable to adjust the position of the lighting units 210. Thecontroller may be coupled to one or more sensors usable to measure theheight of the plants 104 (e.g. cameras positioned facing the growingarea 102). The controller may automatically adjust the height of thelighting units 210 to maintain a consistent separation between the lightemitting side 211 and the plants 104.

In some cases, positioning the lighting units 210 close to the plants104 may increase the heat emitted from the lighting units 210 proximatethe plants 104. Too much heat on the surface of the plants 104 may harmplant growth. To minimize the impact of heat on plant growth, thelighting units 210 can be configured to reduce the amount of heat thatis dissipated towards plants 104.

In some embodiments, the lighting units 210 can include one or morecooling elements. For example, the lighting units may include a heatsink which may be provided with cooling fins 240. The heat sink maycomprise a thermally conducting material (e.g., aluminum) which isthermally connected to the cooling fins. The cooling fins may be part ofa unitary construction with the heat sink (e.g., they may be integrallyformed such as by casting). Optionally, the housing or support frame 222of the light fixture may comprise or consist of the heat sink. Forexample, the housing of a lighting unit 210 may be made of a heat sinkmaterial, such as aluminum, which has cooling fins 240 provides as aunitary or integrally formed member. The cooling fins may promote thedissipation of heat that is generated by the lighting units 210 awayfrom plants 104.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting units 210 can include a support frame222 into which a plurality of light emitting units (or light cards) 250can be mounted. In the example shown, the lighting unit 210 isconfigured as a plurality of separate light fixtures 220 mounted to oneanother in sequence. In this example, the individual light fixtures 220are formed separately (e.g. roll formed) and then secured to oneanother.

Alternatively, the lighting unit 210 may be formed as a singlelongitudinally extending fixture. For instance, a single roll formedlighting unit may be manufactured to extend along the length of thegrowing area. The combined fixture provided by the lighting unit 210 mayinclude mounting elements for the same arrangement and configuration oflight emitting units as the separate fixtures shown in FIG. 4.

The support frame 222 can be manufactured using thermally conductivematerials (e.g. metallic materials) predisposed to absorb heat emittedby the light emitting units 250 and any power distribution elementswithin the lighting unit 210. The support frame 222 can operate as aheat sink to capture heat from the light emitting units 250 or powerdistribution elements (such as power transmission wires).

The support frame 222 can be thermally coupled to the cooling fins 240.The cooling fins 240 can disperse heat from the support frame 222 awayfrom the plants 104. In some embodiments, the cooling fins 240 may beformed integrally with the support frame 222 when the support frame 222is manufactured. This may encourage greater heat transfer between theframe and cooling fins 240.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling fins 240 can be positioned on anupper section of the lighting units 210 (away from the plants 104). Thefins 240 may thus distribute the heat from the lighting units 210 at alocation further from the plants 104 than where the heat is initiallygenerated. This may further reduce the heat applied to plants 104 bydissipating the heat away from the tops 105 of plants 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting system 200 can include multiplelighting units 210. Each lighting unit 210 may extend substantially theentire longitudinal length of the growing area 102. The lighting units210 can be laterally spaced apart above the growing area 102.

As shown, three lighting units 210 are laterally spaced apart in orderto reduce the variation in light intensity across the lateral width ofthe growing area 102. In some embodiments, the lighting units 210 may belaterally spaced by between about 10 inches and 24 inches. In someembodiments, the lighting units 210 may be laterally spaced apart bybetween about 12 inches and 20 inches. In some embodiments, the lightingunits may be laterally spaced apart by about 18 inches.

The spacing of the lighting units may promote more uniform lightintensity at the tops of the plants 104. This may also reduce the totalnumber of light emitting elements required to illuminate growing area102, which may reduce the overall power required for facility 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the light emission regions 410 from thelighting units 210 a-210 c in facility 100. As shown, the growing area102 includes a pair of longitudinally extending rows 420 a and 420 b ofplants. The light emission regions 410, include regions 410 acorresponding to lighting unit 210 a, regions 410 b corresponding tolighting unit 210 b, and regions 410 c corresponding to lighting unit210 c. As described in further detail below, the lighting elementswithin individual light fixtures may be arranged to provide relativelyuniform light intensity patterns for the growing area 102.

In some embodiments, the light emission regions from individual fixturesmay include less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%or less than 5% overlapping area (at the plant surface) with adjacentlight emission regions. The overlap may be adjusted by the spacing ofthe light sources from each other and the height of the light sourcesfrom the top of the plants.

As shown in FIG. 4, each lighting unit 210 may include a plurality oflight fixtures 220. In the example illustrated, the lighting units 210include four light fixtures 220 a-220 d. The light fixtures 220 in eachlighting unit 210 can be positioned in a sequence end-to-end extendingsubstantially between the first end 107 and second end 109 of thegrowing area.

Each fixture 220 may include one or a plurality of light cards 250. Eachlight card 250 may include a plurality of light emitting elements suchas light-emitting diodes (see e.g. FIG. 10). The light cards 250 may beindividually replaceable within each light fixture 220. This mayfacilitate modular replacement of the light emitting elements in case offailure of one or more light emitting elements or light cards. Examplesof light fixtures 220 with replaceable light cards 250 are described infurther detail herein below.

Each of the lighting units 210 may emit light in a rectangular or coneshape pattern with minimal variation across the emission pattern. Aswill be described in further detail below, the light emitting elementswithin each fixture 220 can be arranged to provide a light intensitypattern that varies minimally throughout the growing area 102. Thelighting units 210 can be configured with a greater number of lightemitting elements positioned near the lateral sides of each lightingunit 210 as compared to light emitting elements positioned near thelateral center of the lighting units 210. This may assist in maintainingconsistent intensity due to overlap of light from light emittingelements within a lighting unit and between laterally adjacent lightingunits 210.

In some embodiments, the power supply unit for the lighting system 220may be mounted above the growing area 102 to provide close connection tothe lighting units 210. However, when there is a malfunction in thepower supply unit, access to the power supply unit may be necessary toensure proper operation of the lighting system. If the power supply unitis positioned above the growing area 102, it may be necessary to climbabove the tables 115 to access the power supply unit and perform anyrepairs or replacement.

Mounting the power supply also requires high power wiring to be includedabove the growing area 102. As these high power connections may haveincreased rates of failures, it may be necessary to perform repairsand/or maintenance on a fairly regular basis. This may also increase theconcentration of heat emitted above the growing area, which may requireadditional building insulation in those areas of the facility.

In some embodiments, the power supply unit (or power supply units) forthe lighting system 200 can be positioned at one or both of thelongitudinal ends 107 and 109 of the growing area 102. The lightingunits 210 can be arrayed longitudinally along the length of the tablewith the electrical supply at a longitudinal end of the fixtures. Thepower supply can provide the power connections to the lighting units 210at the longitudinal end. The power supply unit and wiring connection maythen be accessed at the end of a row of plants 104, rather than abovethe growing area 102. This may provide easier access to the power supplyunits for maintenance and/or replacement since the power supply unitscan be access from outside the growing area and without having to reachacross or over the growing area.

FIG. 15 illustrates a first example of a lighting system 2200 thatincludes a power supply unit 2300. As shown in FIG. 15, the power supplyunit 2300 is electrically connected to a plurality of lighting units2210 a-2210 c. Each lighting unit 2210 includes a plurality of lightfixtures 2220. Lighting unit 2210 a includes lighting fixtures 2220a-2220 d connected end to end in sequence, lighting unit 2210 b includeslighting fixtures 2220 e-2220 h connected end to end in sequence, andlighting unit 2210 c includes lighting fixtures 2220 i-2220 l connectedend to end in sequence.

As shown, the power supply unit 2300 is electrically connected to afirst end of light fixtures 2220 d, 2220 h and 2220 l. As shown, inembodiments herein the power supply unit 2300 may not be directlyconnected to any of the other light fixtures in each lighting unit 2210a-2210 c. Rather, the lighting units 2210 may provide internal powerrouting that connects each light fixture 2220 to the power supply unit2300. Routing power through the light fixtures 2220 may simplifymaintenance of the power routing structure, as faults in individuallight fixtures 2220 can be replaced without having to re-wire the entiresystem 2200.

For example, to provide power to the lighting unit 2210 a, the powersupply unit 2300 may have a direct electrical connection to the lightfixture 2220 d. The light fixture 2220 d may include internal wiringthat connects to the power supply unit 2300 and then to adjacent lightfixture 2220 c. Light fixture 2220 c may thus be connected to the powersupply unit 2300 indirectly, via the light fixture 2220 d. Similarly,light fixture 2200 b can provide wiring that interconnects lightfixtures 2220 c and 2220 a. This allows light fixtures 2220 a and 2220 bto also be connected indirectly to the power supply unit 2300. Lightingunits 2210 b and 2210 c may similarly provide indirect power connectionsfor the light fixtures 2220 that are not directly adjacent to the powersupply unit 2300. This may allow the light fixtures 2220 to be easilyreplaced without modifying the wiring from the power supply unit.

For example, light fixture 2220 d may have an internal bus 2224 whichinterfaces with power supply unit 2300 (e.g., power supply unit 2300plugs into the bus). Bus 2224 may have 4 sets of outputs, each of whichis connected to one of light fixtures 2220 a, 220 b, 2220 c and 2220 d.For example, light fixture 2220 d may have a second bus 2226 that iselectrically connectable to adjacent light fixture 2220 c by, e.g.,electrical connectors 2228. Adjacent light fixture 2220 c may havemating electrical connectors 2229 that are connectable or releasablyconnectable to electrical connectors 2228. Accordingly, when lightfixture 2220 c is connected or plugged into light fixture 2220 d, theLEDs in lighting unit 2220 c may be electrically connected to powersupply unit 2300. It will be appreciated that bus 2224 may beelectrically connected to the light card(s) in light fixture 2220 d inparallel with bus 2226.

Alternatively, the power supply unit 2300 may have direct wiringconnections to each of the light fixtures 2220 a-2220 l. This mayfacilitate individual control of the light emitted from each fixture2220, without requiring additional control circuitry at the fixture. Forexample, a first set of wires may extend from bus 2224 to light fixture2220 c and a second set of wires may extend from bus 2224 to lightfixture 2220 b and a third set of wires may extend from bus 2224 tolight fixture 2220 a.

Providing integrated power routing through the lighting fixtures 2220may reduce the number of wiring connections to the power supply unit2300. Rather than having separate connections for each fixture 2220, thepower supply unit 2300 may have only a single connection for theplurality of fixtures 2220 in each lighting unit 2210. This may reducethe total length of wiring required, and simplify repairs and/orreplacement of any faulty wires.

FIG. 16 illustrates another first example of a lighting system 3200.Lighting system 3200 includes power supply units 3300 a and 3300 bconnected to each longitudinal end of the lighting units 3210.

As shown in FIG. 16, each power supply unit 3300 is electricallyconnected to a plurality of lighting units 3210 a-3210 c. Each lightingunit 3210 includes a plurality of light fixtures 3220. Lighting unit3210 a includes lighting fixtures 3220 a-3220 d connected end to end insequence, lighting unit 3210 b includes lighting fixtures 3220 e-3220 hconnected end to end in sequence, and lighting unit 3210 c includeslighting fixtures 3220 i-3220 l connected end to end in sequence.

As shown, the power supply unit 3300 a is electrically connected to afirst end of light fixtures 3220 a, 3220 e and 3220 i. Similarly, thepower supply unit 3300 b is electrically connected to a first end oflight fixtures 3220 d, 3220 h and 3220 l. As with system 2200, the powersupply units 3300 may be directly connected to only one light fixture3220 within a given lighting unit 3210. The light fixtures 3220 may thenprovide routing between the internal fixtures and the power supply units3300.

In system 3200, power supply unit 3300 a may provide power to thefixtures 3220 in a first half of each lighting unit 3210 while the powersupply unit 3300 b provides power to the fixtures 3220 in the other halfof each lighting unit 3210. For example, power supply unit 3300 a may beelectrically connected to light fixtures 3220 a, 3220 b, 3220 e, 3220 f,3220 i and 3220 j and none of the other lighting fixtures while powersupply unit 3300 b is electrically connected to light fixtures 3220 c,3220 d, 3220 g, 3220 h, 3220 k and 3220 l and none of the other lightingfixtures.

Providing separate power supply units for the segments of lighting units3210 may reduce the power being delivered by each individual powersupply unit 3300, while still providing simplified access to the powersupply units outside of the growing area 102.

Alternatively, the power supply units 3300 a and 3300 b may both beelectrically connected to all of the fixtures 3220. The power supplyunits 3300 a and 3300 b may then operate as redundant power supplies incase one of the power supply units 3300 malfunction. This may allow thelighting system 3200 to continue operating (although possibly at reducedpower levels) during maintenance or repairs of one of the power supplyunits 3300.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more power supply units may bepositioned centrally above the growing area 102. This may be necessaryin some embodiments to manage the power requirements of the lightingsystem 3200.

Referring now to FIG. 18, shown therein is another example of a lightingsystem 7200 that may be used in embodiments described herein. As shown,the lighting system 7200 can be positioned above the surface 120 of agrowing area 102 such as a table 115.

In the example shown, the lighting system 7200 includes two lightingunits 7210 a and 7210 b. Each lighting unit 7210 includes a plurality oflight fixtures 7220. The lighting fixtures 7220 may be generally similarto lighting fixtures 220, 1220, and 2220 described elsewhere herein.

Lighting system 7200 is similar to lighting system 3200 in that a pairof power supply units 2300 are positioned at either end of the growingarea 102. In the example shown, each power supply unit 2300 iselectrically connected to a corresponding lighting unit 7210. Asmentioned, the power supply unit 2300 may be connected to the interiorlight fixtures within the lighting units 7210 either directly orindirectly. The fixtures 7220 may be connected to the power supply unit2300 in parallel. This may ensure that failure of an individual lightfixture 7220 does not cause failure of the other light fixtures 7220.

Unlike lighting systems 200, 2200 and 3200 described herein above,however, the lighting fixtures 7220 in lighting system 7200 extendtransversely across the growing area 102. In some examples, the lightingsystem 7200 may include a single row of lighting units 7210, with aplurality of laterally extending light fixtures 7220 that are spacedapart longitudinally along the growing area 102.

The lighting system 7200 includes a mounting track 7450. The lightfixtures 7220 are mounted to the underside of the mounting track 7450with light emitting surfaces facing the surface 120 of the growing area102. Each lighting unit 7210 a and 7210 b can be mounted to a separatetrack section 7450 a and 7450 b respectively. The track sections 7450 aand 7450 b may be joined at a central track joint 7460.

The track sections 7450 a and 7450 b can include a hollow center. Thehollow center can be used to route wires between the power supply units2300 and the light fixtures 2220.

As exemplified, a power supply unit 2300 is electrically connected toone end of a track 7450. Track 7450 includes a channel through whichwires extend. A separate set of wires may be electrically connected tothe power supply 2300 and extend to each light fixture 7220. Forexample, one set of wires may extend to the light unit 72220 adjacentpower supply unit 2300 and a second set of wires may extend to thesecond light unit 7220 that is spaced from the power supply unit 2300,etc. Track 7450 may include a bus from which the wires extend and towhich power supply module is electrically connectable.

The lighting units 7210 in lighting system 7200 may be verticallymovable. As shown, the lighting system may include a plurality ofsupport mounts 7410 that may be secured to the ceiling of the facility100 or another support structure. The support mounts 7410 are connectedto the mounting track 7450 using a pulley system. A motor 7400 canextend or retract the support cables 7420 to lower or raise the track7450 and thus raise or lower the light fixtures 2220.

In some cases, there may be only one light fixture 2220 mounted to thetrack 7450 at a given longitudinal location above the growing area 102.The light fixture 2220 may be oriented to extend laterally across atleast a portion of the growing area 102.

Alternatively, two light fixtures 2220 may be mounted extending fromeither lateral side of the track 7450. This may facilitate lightemission for wider growing areas 102.

Lighting Fixture for a Lighting System

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to facilitate replacement ofindividual sections of the lighting units. In embodiments describedherein, the light cards within each lighting fixture may be individuallyreplaceable to facilitate maintenance of the lighting system in-situ.

In some embodiments, the light cards may be replaceable from the side ofeach lighting unit. This may facilitate access to the light cardsindividually, without removing any cover or lens overlying the lightemitting face of the light fixture.

In some embodiments, the light emitting elements within the lightfixtures may be arranged to reduce variation in illumination intensityeven between adjacent light fixtures. This may promote more even growthof the plants within the cultivation facility.

The features in this section may be used by itself in any system orfacility (e.g., an indoor cultivation facility) or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, shown therein is an example of a light fixture220. The light fixture 220 is an example of a light fixture that may beused with the various examples of plant lighting systems describedherein.

As shown, the light fixture 220 includes a fixture frame 222. Thefixture frame 222 can define the structural shape of the light fixture220. The fixture frame 222 can also include mounting elements that allowthe light fixture 220 to be connected to adjacent light fixtures and tomount light cards within the light fixture 220.

The light fixture 220 includes light card mounting elements. The lightcard mounting elements allow one or more light cards 250 to bereleasably mounted to the light fixture 220. In the example shown, twolight cards 250 can each be mounted to a single light fixture 220. Itwill be appreciated that a single light fixture 220 may house more thantwo light cards or only a single light card 250.

As exemplified, the mounting elements include a plurality of retainingarms 224. The retaining arms 224 can be positioned centrally within theframe 222. The retaining arms 224 can support a first side of a lightcard 250 mounted to the frame 222.

The mounting elements also optionally include a plurality of mountingsupports 219. The mounting supports 219 may project out from the surfaceof the frame 222 and include an inset section into which the second sideof the light card 250 can be mounted.

The retaining arms 224 may be moveably mounted to the frame 222. Thismay allow the light cards 250 to be easily mounted and removed from theframe 222.

As shown, the retaining arms 224 may be pivotally mounted to the frame222. Each retaining arm 224 may be secured to the frame 222 by acorresponding pivotal mount 225. In some cases, retaining arms 224 foradjacent light card mounting regions may share a pivotal mount 225.

The retaining arm 224 may be rotatable about the pivotal mount 225. Eachretaining arm 224 may be pivotal at least between a support position,where the retaining arm 224 overlies the light card region (in the caseof FIG. 5, the region within which the light card is currentlypositioned) and an access position in which the retaining arm 224 doesnot extend over the projection of the light card region. The accessposition allows a user to insert and/or remove a light card 250 from thelight card region.

In the example shown, the light cards 250 may be mounted by firstinserting the second end 253 of the light card 250 into the insetsprovided by the support mounts 219. The light card 250 can then berotated vertically to rest within the light card region above theretainer arms 224. The retainer arms 224 are then pivoted from theaccess position to the support position overlying the central end 251 ofthe light card 250 to retain the light card 250 within the light cardregion.

When mounted to the fixture 220, each light card 250 can include a powerconnection 230 with the fixture 220. The light card 250 may include aconnector 260 that is engageable with a corresponding connector providedby the fixture 220 to define the connection 230.

The connection 230 includes at least power connections to couple thelight emitting elements 270 (e.g. light emitting diodes) provided on thelight card 250 to a power supply from the light fixture 220. As thelight card 250 is rotated upwards into the light card region, theconnector 260 may engage a corresponding connected provided on the frame222. This may ensure that the light card 250 is automatically connectedto a power source when mounted to the fixture 220 (presuming, of course,that the fixture 220 itself is connected to a power source).

Alternatively, a user may manually connect the connector 260 to acorresponding connector provided by the fixture 220. For example, thefixture 220 may include connectors that extend downward through thecentral gap or void region 226. When installing the light card 250, auser can simply connect these to the connector 260 on the light card250.

It will be appreciated that other mechanical securing members may beused to releasably mount a light card in a fixture 220.

In some embodiments, the light fixture 220 may include a cover enclosingthe light cards 250. For instance, a plastic cover can be provided onthe light emitting face 211 of the fixture 220. The cover may includesealing members around the periphery of the fixture 220. This mayprovide a watertight seal around the light cards 250 and otherelectrical components of fixture 220. For example, the cover may becompliant with various ingress protection standards such as IP65, IP66and/or IP67.

In some embodiments, the cover may extend across multiple fixtures 220(e.g. along some or all of the length of a lighting unit 210). The covermay then seal the lighting unit 210 as a whole, rather than individuallighting fixtures 220.

In some embodiments, the light fixture 220 may include one or moreoptical components between the light emitting elements on the lightcards 250 and the plants 104. In some cases, a lens may be provided onthe light emitting face 211. For example, the lens may be provided tofurther limit the spread of light from the lights cards.

As shown in FIG. 10, the light cards themselves can include a pluralityof light emitting elements 270. The light emitting elements 270 can bedistributed around the emission surface 252 of the light card 250. Thedistribution of the elements 270 may be defined to minimize intensityvariations experienced at a distance of, e.g., between about 6 inchesand 12 inches from the emission surface 252.

The light emitting elements 270 can be connected using sequential wiring271 as exemplified or in parallel. Further, as exemplified, the lightemitting elements 270 may be connected using two or more sequences ofsequential wiring. The elements 270 can be connected to a light cardconnector 260 that may engage a corresponding connector on the fixture220 to define power connection 230.

As shown, the light card 250 has a generally rectangular shape with afirst or central end 251, a second or outer end 253, and opposed sides257 and 259. The central end 251 can be configured to be positionedcentrally within the fixture 220 when mounted thereto. It will beappreciated that light card 250 may be of any other shape.

As shown, the light emitting elements 270 can be distributed about theemission surface 252 to promote reduced light intensity variance for theindividual light card 250. The light emitting elements 270 may bedistributed about the emission surface to promote reduced lightintensity variance for the plurality of light cards 250 arranged withinthe lighting system 200, even across multiple fixtures 220 and lightingunits 210.

In some embodiments, the light intensity experienced at an illuminatedsurface, e.g., about 6 inches-12 inches from the emission surface 252may vary less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% orless than 5% across the illuminated surface.

In general, the light emitting elements can be distributed on the lightcards so that with the distribution of light fixtures and lighting unitsthe light emitting elements throughout the lighting system can providean overlap of lower intensity zones to provide better distribution ofintensity across the surface of the plants 104.

In some embodiments, the light intensity experienced at the plantsurface when positioned about 6 inches-12 inches from the emissionsurface 252 may vary less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, lessthan 10% or less than 5% across the growing area 102.

As shown, the lighting elements 270 can be distributed with a greaternumber of light emitting elements 270 near the external sides 257 and259 than near the middle of the emission surface 252. Similarly, morelighting elements can be positioned near the outer end 253 than near thecentral end 251.

Where the central end 251 is positioned nearer to an adjacent light card250 (e.g. the other card within the same fixture) as compared to thesecond end 253 (which may be adjacent to a light card from a subsequentfixture), the reduced number of light emitting elements may becompensated for by the proximity of the elements from the nearby lightcard. Although each light emitting element may only slightly overlapwith an adjacent light emitting element, the increase number of lightemitting elements near the outer edges of the light cards 250 maycontribute to an overall consistency in the light intensitydistribution.

In a similar manner, positioning a greater proportion of the lightemitting elements 250 near the lateral sides 257 and 259 may promotegreater light emission onto plants 104 positioned in gaps betweenlaterally adjacent lighting units 210. This may help ensure that theintensity experienced by plants in a gap is similar to that experiencedby plants directly below a lighting unit 210.

The light fixture 220 itself may have a generally rectangular shape (seee.g. FIG. 6). The light fixture 220 may have a length dimension thatextends between a first end 221 and a second end 223, and a widthdimension that extends between opposed lateral sides 217 and 218. Theframe 222 may have a top surface 229 and sidewalls that extenddownwardly therefrom on each of the first end 221, second end 223, andlaterals sides 217 and 218.

The end walls of the frame 222 may include an opening or connectorsection 228. The connector section 228 may allow cable (wire) routingbetween adjacent light fixtures 220, such as lighting unit 210 describedherein above. Accordingly, each light fixture 220 or each light card 250may be individually electrically connected to a power supply unit 2300.In some embodiments, the adjacent fixtures 220 in the lighting unit 210may provide alternating current power interconnections. Alternatively,the adjacent fixtures 220 in the lighting unit 210 may provide directcurrent power interconnections.

In some embodiments, the end walls of the frame 222 may also includefixture mounting elements (e.g., brackets, not shown). The fixturemounting elements may allow adjacent fixtures 220 to be secured to oneanother end to end and/or to a supporting superstructure, such as atrack.

In some embodiments, the fixture 220 may include separate internalcompartments. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the fixture 220 may beseparated into an upper compartment 237 and a lower compartment 233. Awall member 234 can be positioned partially or fully separating thecompartments 233 and 237. In some embodiments, the frame 222 may be rollformed with the two separate compartments 233 and 237 and wall member234.

The upper compartment 237 may be configured to house and route wiringfor the lighting unit 210. For example, the wiring between adjacentlighting fixtures, and the connections to the power supply unit(s) canbe housed within the upper compartment.

The lower compartment 233 can be configured to contain the lightemitting elements of the fixture 220. A conduit 226 can be providedbetween the upper compartment 237 and lower compartment 233 to allow thelight cards 250 in the lower compartment 233 to be connected to thepower supply.

Separating the light cards 250 from the wiring may help distribute theheat within the fixture 220 (e.g., wall member 234 may assist intransmitting heat from light cards 250 to cooling fins 240). This mayalso help remove the heat generated by power transmission from being inproximity to the plants.

As mentioned above, the fixtures 220 can be configured to promote heatdissipation away from the plants 104. The frame 222 may be manufacturedof thermally conductive materials. For example, the frame 222 may bemanufactured using roll formed aluminum. The frame 222 may thus operateas a heat sink to collect heat generated by operating of the lightscards 250 and due to power transmission through the power wiring.

Optionally, as exemplified, the frame 222 can also include cooling fins240. The cooling fins can optionally extend laterally outward form thelateral sides 217 and 218 of the frame 222. The cooling fins 240 canprovide added surface area for dissipation of the heat collected by theframe 222.

In the example shown, the cooling fins 240 are positioned proximate thetop surface 229 of the frame 222. This may encourage more heat todissipate at a greater distance from the plants 204.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, shown therein is another example of alight fixture 1220 that may be used in the lighting systems describedherein. As with light fixture 220, the light fixture 1220 includes afixture frame 1222, cooling fins 1240, and a plurality of light cards1250 mounted to the fixture frame 1222. However, the light fixture 1220includes different light card mounting elements than fixture 220.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the light fixture 1220 includes a pair oflight card mounting slots 1280 in the sidewall 1217 of the frame 1222.To mount the light cards within light fixture 1220, the light cards 1250can be slid through the mounting slots 1280. This may allow the lightcards 1250 to be replaced without removing a cover of the light fixture1220. In some cases, this may also facilitate removing and/or replacingthe light cards 1250 from the aisle outside the growing area 102, sinceit may only be necessary to access the side 1217 of the light fixture1220. It will be appreciated that if slots 1280 are provided, they maybe located at the elevation of lower compartment 233 and the coolingfins may be located on the sidewall of upper compartment 237.

In the example shown, the mounting slots 1280 include support tracks1282. The support tracks 1282 may extend substantially the entire widthof the light card mounting region. The first and second ends 1251 and1253 of the light cards can be supported by the tracks 1282. A user caninsert the light card 1250 into the mounting slot with the first andsecond ends 1251 and 1253 received by respective tracks 1282. The lightcard 1250 can then be slid into position within the fixture 1220.

The light card 1250 may include a power connector that automaticallyengages the corresponding fixture connector 1230 as the light card 1250is slid into place. For instance, the central track may include a recessinto which the light card connector can nest as the light card 1250slides into the light card region. This may facilitate connecting thelight card 1250 to power wiring coupled through conduit 1226 withoutneeding direct access to the connectors. This may further facilitateremoving and/or replacing the light cards 1250 from the aisle outsidethe growing area 102, since it is only necessary to access the side 1217of the light fixture 1220.

In some embodiments, the fixture 1220 may include a cover for the lightcard slots 1280. For example, watertight covers may be used to ensurethat the light cards 1250 and the internal fixture wiring are notexposed to water (moisture/humidity) from the growing area 102. Thecover may be similar to a cover used on the light emitting face 211 ofthe fixture 220.

Power Supply Unit for a Lighting System

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to simplify maintenance and/orreplacement of the power supply units. In embodiments described herein,the power supply unit may be a modular unit that provides connectionoutlets for incoming power connections from a mains power supply andoutgoing power connections to the lighting units. The incoming and/oroutgoing power connections may each be connected and disconnectedwithout re-wiring the lighting system or incoming power supply for thecultivation facility. This may reduce the time and cost associated withreplacing the power supply unit. This may also enable the power supplyunits to be replaced without requiring an electrician to perform thereplacement operation.

It may also be desirable to ensure that maintenance of the lightingsystem and/or power supply units can be performed safely. In embodimentsdescribed herein, the power supply unit can include automatic shut-offswitches to ensure that the lighting system does not have live powerduring maintenance operations. In some embodiments, the power supplyunits may include automatic shut-off switches that are activated whenthe power supply unit is accessed and/or when power connections to thepower supply unit are disconnected and/or when the outgoing powerconnection is disconnected from a light fixture. Alternately, or inaddition, in some embodiments, the power supply units may includeautomatic shut-off switches that are activated when the lighting unitsare activated, for example in response to the removal of a lighting unitcover.

The features in this section may be used by itself in any system orfacility (e.g., an indoor cultivation facility) or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, shown therein is an example of a powersupply unit 4300. Power supply unit 4300 is an example of a power supplyunit that may be used in the various lighting systems and indoorcultivation systems described herein, such as lighting systems 200, 2200and 3200 described herein above. In general, the power supply unit 4300can provide electrical power to lighting elements used by lightingsystems 200, 2200 and 3200 to illuminate plants 104 being cultivated.

The power supply unit can include an electrical power input 4330 and anelectrical power output 4340. The electrical power input 4330 can beconnected to a stationary power supply 4335, such as mains power. Theelectrical power input 4330 can be configured to receive AC power fromthe stationary power supply 4335.

The electrical power input 4330 can be configured to receive high levelof powers from the stationary power supply 4335. Accordingly, thecontrol and power distribution circuitry 4310 may include a high voltagecircuit section connected to the electrical power input 4330. The highvoltage circuit section can be configured to operate at the high voltagelevels at which the power is received.

The electrical power output 4340 can be connected to the lighting system4345. For example, the electrical power output 4340 may include separateelectrical connections to each of the lighting units in the lightingsystem 4345 (as shown in FIG. 15) or a single output that connects to abus as discussed previously. The electrical power output 4340 canprovide power to the lighting units in lighting system 4345.

The control circuitry 4310 can also include voltage conditioningcircuitry. The voltage conditioning circuitry can be configured toconvert the high voltage power received at the electrical power input4330 to a lower voltage that is usable by the lighting system.

The control circuitry 4310 can also include various power controls forthe lighting system 4345. The control circuitry 4310 may be configuredto activate and deactivate the lighting units in lighting system 4345.For example, the control circuitry 4310 may activate and/or deactivatethe lighting units in response to user input from a control panel and/ora motion sensor. In some embodiments, the control circuitry 4310 may beconfigured to adjust the intensity of light emitted by the lightingunits in lighting system 4345.

In some cases, the control circuitry 4310 may include a wirelesscommunication module. The wireless communication module may allow a userto access and control the control circuitry 4310 wirelessly (e.g. usinga mobile application on a smartphone or tablet). The wirelesscommunication module may also allow the control circuitry 4310 to outputfeedback data, e.g. indicating the state of the power supply unit 4300and/or the lighting system 4345.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry 4310 may be configured tooperate the lighting units in the lighting system 4345 on a regularpattern of activation and deactivation. The illumination pattern usedmay depend, e.g., on the plants being grown. However, the illuminationpattern may include cyclic periods of activation and deactivation (e.g.16 hours of active illumination followed by 8 hours of the lightingsystem being inactive).

In some embodiments, the control circuitry 4310 may be configured toactivate and/or deactivate individual light fixtures (or adjust theintensity of the individual fixtures). This may provide the lightingsystem 4345 to provide more granular control of the lighting across thegrowing area 102. This may be particularly useful if plants 104 aregrowing at different rates within the growing area 102.

In some embodiments, the power output 4340 can also include one or moresignal connections between the power supply unit 4300 and the lightingunits in system 4345. For example, the lighting units and/or individuallighting fixtures may include microcontrollers and/or sensor units. Thesignal connections included in the power output 4340 may allow thecontrol circuitry 4310 to communicate with the controllers and/orsensors to provide commands and/or receive feedback data.

The power input port 4330 and power output port 4340 can be configuredas quick connect connectors (e.g., a male electrical connectorreceivable in a female electrical connector). This may allow a user toeasily connect and disconnect the power supply unit 4300.

For example, the lighting system 4345 and power supply 4335 may havepower connectors mounted within the facility 100. The power supply unit4300 can then be mounted to the power connectors in order to operate thelighting system 4345. This may allow the power supply unit 4300 to beeasily repaired and/or replaced without requiring extensive re-wiring ofthe facility 100.

In some embodiments, the power supply unit 4300 is mounted concurrently(i.e. substantially simultaneously) to the power connectors of both thelighting system 4345 and power supply 4335. This may ensure that thepower output 4340 of the power supply unit 4300 is connected wheneverthe high voltage power supply 4335 is connected to power supply unit4300.

Alternatively, the power supply unit 4300 may be individually connectedto the power supply 4335 and the lighting system 4345. In some cases,the power supply unit 4300 may be individually and separately mounted toeach lighting unit within the lighting system 4345. This may facilitatemaintenance of smaller portions of the power supply unit 4300.

Typically, however, the power supply unit 4300 provides connectors thatallow the power supply unit 4300 to be easily connected to both thepower supply input 4335 and the lighting system 4345 without requiringany re-wiring.

Referring now to FIGS. 17C and 17D, shown therein is an example of apower supply unit 5300. Power supply unit 5300 is another example of apower supply unit that may be used in the various lighting systems andindoor cultivation systems described herein, such as lighting systems200, 2200 and 3200 described herein above. In general, the power supplyunit 5300 can provide electrical power to lighting elements used bylighting systems 200, 2200 and 3200 to illuminate plants 104 beingcultivated.

Power supply unit 5300 is generally similar to power supply unit 4300.Power supply unit 5300 includes a controller 5310, housing 5320,electrical input 5330, and electrical output 5340 that are generallysimilar to controller 4310, housing 4320, electrical input 4330, andelectrical output 4340. However, power supply unit 5300 is furtherconfigured to maintain a watertight seal when connected to the mainspower and lighting system.

The housing 5320 of power supply unit 5300 can provide an essentiallywatertight enclosure for the controller 5310. The housing 5320 may besubstantially watertight apart from the electrical input 5330, andelectrical output 5340. Accordingly, power supply unit 5300 can alsoinclude seal members 5350 positioned within the electrical input 5330and electrical output 5340.

When the connector 5336 for the stationary power supply is engaged withthe electrical input 5330, the seal member 5350 can define a watertightseal therebetween. Similarly, when the connector 5346 for the lightingsystem is engaged with the electrical output 5340, the seal member 5350can define a watertight seal therebetween. This may ensure that powersupply unit 5300 remains watertight in operation (e.g. compliant withvarious regulations, such as IP65-IP67). This may be particularlyimportant in an indoor cultivation facility, as the environment may behumid and/or may involve water being sprayed or otherwise applied toplants 104.

The seal members 5350 may be compressible when the connectors 5336 and5346 are connected to the power supply unit 5300. For example, the sealmembers 5350 may be provided as compressible O-rings around theelectrical input 5330 and the electrical output 5340.

Referring now to FIG. 17E, shown therein is an example of a power supplyunit 6300. Power supply unit 6300 is another example of a power supplyunit that may be used in the various lighting systems and indoorcultivation systems described herein, such as lighting systems 200, 2200and 3200 described herein above. In general, the power supply unit 6300can provide electrical power to lighting elements used by lightingsystems 200, 2200 and 3200 to illuminate plants 104 being cultivated.

Power supply unit 6300 is generally similar to power supply units 4300and 5300. Power supply unit 6300 includes a controller 6310, housing6320, electrical input 6330, and electrical output 6340 that aregenerally similar to controller 4310, housing 4320, electrical input4330, and electrical output 4340. However, the power supply unit 6300also includes a deactivation switch 6360 that is operable to disconnectthe high voltage power being received at the power input 6330.

The deactivation switch 6360 (which may also be referred to as a poweractivation switch) can be adjusted between an active position and aninactive position. In the active position, when the power supply unit6300 is connected to an external power supply, the power supply unit6300 provides live power. In the inactive position, power from theexternal power supply is disconnected from the power supply unit 6300.This may allow a user to perform repairs and/or maintenance on the powersupply unit 6300 and/or lighting system 6340 in the absence of livepower. As shown in FIG. 17E, the deactivation switch 6360 has alreadybeen moved to the inactive position.

In some embodiments, the deactivation switch 6360 may be manuallyactuated by a user. For example, the power supply unit 6300 may includean external shut-off switch or lever mounted on housing 6320. A user mayactuate the deactivation switch 6360 prior to performing maintenance onthe power supply unit 6300.

In some embodiments, the actuator for the deactivation switch 6360 canbe integrated with an access door on the housing 6320. For example, theactuator may be drivingly engaged with a lock member of the access door.The lock member may be movable between a locked position in which theaccess door is locked and an unlocked position in which the access dooris openable. The lock member may be adjusted using any sort of lockactuator, such as a rotatable knob.

Adjusting the lock member may drive the switch actuator which in turncan cause the switch 6360 to switch. For example, when the lock memberis moved to the unlocked position, the actuator may be driven to causeswitch 6360 to move to the deactivated position. This may prevent a userfrom accessing the power supply unit 6300 until live power has beendisconnected.

In some embodiments, the switch 6360 may be actuated in response to auser attempting accessing one of the light fixtures and/or light cardsin the light system. For example, the lightings units may include anouter cover enclosing the light emitting elements. The cover may be aplastic cover, such as an IP65, IP66, and/or IP67 compliant cover.Removal of the outer cover may actuate switch to move to the deactivatedposition. This may ensure that live power is not being provided to thelight fixture and/or card when a user is attempting to access the lightfixture and/or card (e.g. for replacement in the example of lightfixture 220).

In some embodiments, the lighting system may include one or more lightcard access switches. For example, each light card may have anassociated light card access switch. A user may actuate the light cardaccess switch in order to remove and/or replace a light card. Each lightcard access switch can be coupled to the power supply unit 6300 so thatpower can be disconnected (e.g. by operation of switch 6360) prior to auser accessing the corresponding light card.

In some embodiments, a light card access switch may be coupled to thecontrol unit 6310. The control unit 6310 may operate to disconnect powerfrom only the corresponding light card (or light fixture) when the lightcard access switch is operated. This may allow the remaining fixtures tocontinue illuminating the plants 104 while the user is able to replace alight card in the absence of live power to that fixture.

Although the example embodiments of lighting systems, lighting fixtures,light cards, power supply units and so forth have been described abovein the context of indoor cultivation facilities, it should be understoodthat the various embodiments described herein may also be implemented toprovide lighting for other facilities, such as underground parkingfacilities for example. Various example embodiments described herein mayfacilitate installation, maintenance, and/or repair of lighting systemsfor such other facilities. Embodiments described herein may also helpreduce the power costs required to provide lighting for thosefacilities.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent aninclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both,for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to meanX or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments,it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of thedescribed embodiments are susceptible to modification without departingfrom the spirit and principles of operation of the describedembodiments. For example, the various characteristics which aredescribed by means of the represented embodiments or examples may beselectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has beendescribed above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed conceptand non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat other variants and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. Thescope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodimentsand examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistentwith the description as a whole.

I claim:
 1. A lighting system for an indoor growing facility, the indoorgrowing facility having a growing area which contains a plurality ofplants, the lighting system comprising: (a) a plurality of lightingunits suspended above the growing area, each lighting unit having alight emitting face; and, (b) a height adjustment controller operable toselectively raise each lighting unit, wherein a vertical position ofeach lighting unit with respect to the plants positioned in the growingarea under each lighting unit is adjustable to maintain a generallyconsistent separation between the light emitting face of each lightingunit and a top of plants positioned under each lighting unit.
 2. Thelighting system of claim 1 wherein the vertical position of eachlighting unit with respect to the plants positioned in the growing areaunder each lighting unit is automatically adjustable to maintain agenerally consistent separation between the light emitting face of eachlighting unit and a top of plants positioned under each lighting unit.3. The lighting system of claim 2 further comprising a plant heightsensor coupled to the height adjustment controller wherein the heightadjustment controller is operable to raise a lighting unit in responseto a signal from the plant height sensor.
 4. The lighting system ofclaim 2 further comprising a first of plant height sensor coupled to theheight adjustment controller, the first plant height sensor positionedto provide a signal is response to plants positioned under a firstlighting unit of the plurality of lighting units and a second of plantheight sensor coupled to the height adjustment controller, the secondplant height sensor positioned to provide a signal is response to plantspositioned under a second lighting unit of the plurality of lightingunits wherein the height adjustment controller is operable to raise thefirst lighting unit in response to a signal from the first plant heightsensor and to raise the second lighting unit in response to a signalfrom the second plant height sensor.
 5. The lighting system of claim 1wherein the height adjustment controller is operable to maintain avertical position of 6 inches to 18 inches between the light emittingface of each lighting unit and a top of plants positioned under eachlighting unit.
 6. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein each lightingunit comprises a plurality of LEDs.
 7. The lighting system of claim 6wherein each lighting unit comprises at least one light fixture and eachlight fixture produces a light emission region from light emitted by thelight fixture wherein the height of the lighting units is adjustable toprovide less than 25% overlap between the light emission regions at aheight of the top of plants positioned under each lighting unit.
 8. Thelighting system of claim 7 wherein the height of the lighting units isadjustable to provide less than 15% overlap between the light emissionregions at the height of the top of plants positioned under eachlighting unit.
 9. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein a firstlighting unit comprises a plurality of light fixtures and each lightfixture produces a light emission region from light emitted by the lightfixture wherein the height of the first lighting unit is adjustable toprovide less than 25% overlap between the light emission regions at aheight of the top of plants positioned under the first lighting unit.10. The lighting system of claim 9 wherein the height of the firstlighting unit is adjustable to provide less than 15% overlap between thelight emission regions at the height of the top of plants positionedunder each lighting unit.
 11. The lighting system of claim 1 wherein afirst lighting unit comprises a plurality of separate light fixturesthat are mounted to one another in sequence whereby a first lightfixture is replaceable by disconnecting the first light fixture fromadjacent light fixtures to which the first light fixture s attached. 12.The lighting system of claim 11 further comprising a single power supplyelectrically connected to a plurality of light fixtures of the firstlighting unit.
 13. The lighting system of claim 12 wherein the singlepower supply is provided at an end of a row of the light fixtures of thefirst lighting unit.
 14. A lighting system for an indoor growingfacility, the indoor growing facility having a growing area whichcontains a plurality of plants, the lighting system comprising: (a) alighting unit suspended above the growing area, the lighting unit havinga light emitting face; and, (b) a height adjustment controller operableto raise the lighting unit, wherein a vertical position of the lightingunit with respect to the plants positioned in the growing area isadjusted to maintain a generally consistent separation between the lightemitting face and a top of plants positioned under the lighting unit.15. The lighting system of claim 14 wherein the vertical position of thelighting unit with respect to the plants positioned in the growing areaunder the lighting unit is automatically adjustable to maintain agenerally consistent separation between the light emitting face of thelighting unit and a top of plants positioned under the lighting unit.16. The lighting system of claim 5 further comprising a plant heightsensor coupled to the height adjustment controller wherein the heightadjustment controller is operable to raise the lighting unit in responseto a signal from the plant height sensor.
 17. The lighting system ofclaim 16 wherein the height adjustment controller is operable tomaintain a vertical position of 6 inches to 18 inches between the lightemitting face of the lighting unit and a top of plants positioned underthe lighting unit.
 18. The lighting system of claim 14 wherein thelighting unit comprises a plurality of light fixtures and each lightfixture produces a light emission region from light emitted by the lightfixture wherein the height of the lighting unit is adjustable to provideless than 25% overlap between the light emission regions at a height ofthe top of plants positioned under the lighting unit.
 19. The lightingsystem of claim 14 wherein the lighting unit comprises a plurality ofseparate light fixtures that are mounted to one another in sequencewhereby a first light fixture is replaceable by disconnecting the firstlight fixture from adjacent light fixtures to which the first lightfixture s attached.
 20. The lighting system of claim 19 furthercomprising a single power supply electrically connected to a pluralityof light fixtures of the lighting unit.